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Project360

Prevention – Education – Intervention – Treatment

Background

In 2011 KCSARC launched The Phoenix Project, a partnership with YouthCare (funded through the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women) to serve homeless youth impacted by sexual assault. We developed an innovative approach to addressing youths' trauma symptoms through a combination of trauma-specific therapy and case management. Outcomes were very positive, with youth who completed the program recording the following progress:

93% improved their housing situation

92% gained an understanding of how the experience was negatively impacting them

70% experienced symptom reduction or elimination – a life altering result that frees youth to address other aspects of their lives

Northwest Network will consult with partners on issues relating to youth identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ).

Why it Matters

King County is ranked 7th in the country for homeless youth populations.

Untreated sexual assault is a major cause of youth homelessness, with more than 40% impacted by this violence before they become homeless.

Untreated, youth are more likely to remain homeless and are at greater risk of additional sexual assault or exploitation on the streets.

Despite the strong connection between sexual assault, youth homelessness, and trauma-related mental health issues, conventional research and most providers accepted the idea that homeless youth were poor candidates for trauma-specific therapy since their unstable situations would constantly interrupt progress.

KCSARC is one of the few organizations in the country addressing the trauma resulting from sexual assault with youth who are homeless and is partnering with two leading organizations serving homeless youth -- YouthCare and Friends of Youth.